Metadata about FDRI sensors will be vital to help users of the data find and make use of FDRI datasets, as it provides crucial context to ensure data accuracy, reliability and compliance with FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles.
To enable rich descriptions of FDRI datasets we have been working with linked data experts Epimorphics to develop an approach to describe the detail of FDRI measurements, from monitoring networks and sites, sensor makes and models, the accuracy and calibration history of those sensors, through to the programs used to process the data.
FDRI lead data manager Hollie Cooper has created slides to help summarise and explain the model.
On 24 January 2025, a range of stakeholders from research and higher education institutes came together to discuss the theme of sensor metadata models and their crucial role in ensuring reliable and FAIR observational data.
Several projects provided overviews of their physical and digital infrastructure, including the NERC EDS Amplify project, Forth-ERA, and FDRI. Following this, Epimorphics presented their FDRI data model design and opened the meeting to further questions and discussion.
A common theme in the meeting discussion was standardisation, and its importance in managing both data frameworks and the sensor data within them. Several spin-off meetings for key topics such as pipeline approaches, data formats, storage options and API standards have been identified and will be arranged throughout 2025.
These discussions gather vital feedback to ensure FDRI’s digital infrastructure aligns with principles and recommendations across the community. The team are incredibly grateful to everyone who participates and engages with these events.